SHORT ANSWER MANAGEMENT POP QUIZ:
What is the role of vasopressin in the 2015 ACLS Guidelines?
What FiO2 should be used during resuscitation?
What is the goal temperature range for cooling comatose patients after ROSC?
(Answers are in the blog post below.)
EXAM TIP:
Remember that “none” is a perfectly acceptable answer on the SAMPs, according to the CFPC’s website. For the first question in our Pop Quiz above, “none” is the correct answer.
ACLS:
ACLS 2015 new guidelines were just released. You should be familiar with all of the recommendations, but especially the highlights, which include:
Forget vasopressin.
Do not wait for epinephrine if no shock available or rhythm unshockable (PEA, asystole). Previous guidelines advised waiting 3-5 minutes (as always, CPR early and often).
Use 100% FiO2 during resuscitation and turn it back to 21% once return of spontaneous circulation.
ECMO is an acceptable alternative to CPR (if you’re lucky enough to work at a centre that has this readily available!).
Comatose patients with RSOC should be cooled for at least 24 hours (goal temp 32-36C).
Ultrasound can be used to confirm accurate placement of an endotracheal tube.
Remember - VFIB and pulseless VT NEED ELECTRICITY, PEA and Asystole NEED EPINEPHRINE and CPR!